What Are Probiotics?

“Probiotics are live microorganisms that are sourced and thought to be beneficial to the host organism when administered in the adequate dosage” (WHO). There are billions of bacteria living in the intestinal tract (‘microflora’); These probiotics contain the ‘good bacteria’ that help to maintain a healthy gut. Probiotics are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods. Examples of foods that contain probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, some juices and soy beverages. Most probiotics are bacteria similar to those naturally found in an individuals gut, especially in those of breast fed infants (who have a natural protection against many diseases).

Most often the bacteria will come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group there are different species, and within each species, different strains (or varieties). There are many different sources of probiotic strains; Human, animal, vegetable and soil. Human sourced microflora are non-pathogenic bacterial strains because of this they exhibit strong physiological performance and functionality (strong adherence to epithelial cells and a naturally high resistance to stomach and bile acidity).

Why Supplement With Probiotics?

The ‘good bacteria’ in our guts may be reduced because of a number of factors:

• Age
• Antibiotic or other medication use
• Environmental contaminants
• Infection or illness
• Lifestyle
• Dietary changes or poor diet
• Stress
• Digestive disorders
• Traveling

These may all be contributing factors which can upset the delicate balance of the intestinal flora.

Research on Probiotics

Experiments have been completed which have observed the potential health effects of supplemental probiotics of Lactobacillus in: immune function, cancer, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, travellers diarrhea, pediatric diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Lets look at some research:

IBS

This is a very common disorder affecting 1 in 5 Canadians. it is characterized by abdominal pain or cramping and changes in bowel function; gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

The treatment on IBS: anti-diarrhoeals, stool softeners and laxatives, antispasmodics for pain relief.

Study:

52 people diagnosed with IBS were divided into two groups. One received probiotics daily for 8 weeks and the second group was given a placebo. The following IBS symptoms were assessed every two weeks during the study period and again at 10 weeks (two weeks following the end of the probiotic use).

• Number of days with pain
• Level of abdominal pain
• Satisfaction with bowel habit
• Bloating
• Quality of life

There was a significant decrease in the symptoms of IBS. A decrease in bloating, decrease in pain, increase in quality of life and positive satisfaction with bowel habit.

Post Antibiotic Therapy

An antibiotic is a drug that treats infection caused by bacteria. There are many different types of antibiotics some are bactericidal (kill bacteria), and others are bacteriostatic (stop that bacteria from over growth). Over the years, antibiotics helped to bring under control many serious infectious diseases that were previously untreatable and frequently fatal.

Antibiotic therapy can lead to overgrowth of potentially antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms from the human gut which help maintain protective gut microflora, reduce survival of ‘bad’ bacteria.

A study was conducted to investigate whether probiotics can prevent the disruption of gut microflora following the use of antibiotics. The numbers of ‘undesirable’ bacteria in fecal samples were assessed.

Results of this study indicate that the use of probiotics along with antibiotic therapy helps to maintain the balance of the gut microflora they help prevent the overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria.

Cholesterol

Animal studies have indicated there is efficacy associated to the use of LAB (probiotics) in the ability to lower serum cholesterol levels. This is thought to be due in part to the breaking down of bile in the gut thus inhibiting its reabsorption.

More studies do need to be completed, one short term study indicated and decrease in serum LDL concentration however a slightly longer study with more subjects indicated no significant change. However, the study did note a significant increase in serum HDL following probiotic treatment. This corresponds to a possible improvement of LDL/HDL ratio.


Who Should Take Probiotics?

Probiotic supplementation (on advice from your health care practitioner) is considered a necessary component of any healthy diet. It supports health in:

Pre- and post-pregnancy
Infants (1 year +), children and adolescents
Adults
Seniors

While probiotics may be added in foods such as yogurts and smoothies, direct probiotic supplementation provides the highest amount of beneficial live and active cultures. probiotics should be a routine part of a healthy lifestyle to help maintain optimal health conditions.

References:

http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/fs_management/probiotics/en/
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics
http://www.crdc-probiotics.ca/

It is cold and flu season again. In Canada the flu causes 20,000 hospitalizations and 4,000 deaths per year – seniors, young children, and people with certain existing health conditions, being at higher risk.

Viral infections take hold when immune resistance is low due to fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, or stress. These infections can be easily spread through casual encounters and even with good hygiene habits, are difficult to avoid.

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a virus. There are over 200 viruses that cause colds; the most common is the rhinovirus. Colds are a major cause of doctor’s appointments and lost work/ school days. Children are most susceptible to contracting the virus and may experience as many as 10 colds per year. As we get older, we develop immunity to many viruses and are less likely to get colds.

Colds are highly contagious. The virus enters the body through your nose or mouth. It can also be spread by hand-to-hand contact or by touching an object that has been contaminated with the virus and then rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth.

A healthy functioning immune system is your best defense against a cold. If you catch a cold, there are a variety of lifestyle measures and supplements that can help speed healing and improve symptoms.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Cough
• Head and body ache
• Low-grade fever
• Nasal discharge (yellow or green)
• Sinus congestion and runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore, scratchy throat
• Watery eyes

Note: colds typically last for seven to 14 days and improve without treatment. In some cases, a cold can lead to an ear infection, sinusitis, strep throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, or a flare-up of asthma.

Colds are not caused by bacteria and therefore antibiotics should not be used unless you develop a secondary bacterial infection such as strep throat or bronchitis.

Over-the-counter remedies, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants, may provide some symptom relief, but these products do not prevent or speed healing. As well, most of these products cause side effects. Antihistamines cause dry eyes/nose/mouth and drowsiness, and decongestants can raise blood pressure and cause dizziness as well as insomnia.

RISK FACTORS

• Age: Children are more susceptible because they have not developed resistance to viruses, plus children play together closely and are not careful about washing their hands and covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze.
• Poor diet: nutritional deficiencies and excessive alcohol intake have all been linked to increased susceptibility.
• Season: colds occur more frequently during the fall and winter because people spend more time indoors and are close together, which increases transmission; viruses survive better in low humidity, and cold temperatures make your nose drier and more susceptible to contracting a virus.
• Smoking: damages nasal passages and makes it easier for viruses to enter.
• Stress and lack of sleep: weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR THE COMMON COLD

Homeopathy works wonders in relieving and reducing the duration of common colds as it boosts your immunity and improves your body’s ability to fight the virus. You may have tried conventional or over-the-counter cold medicines for immediate relief and may have noticed that they help temporarily. They do not reduce the malaise or duration, as they have no action on the virus. Unlike homeopathic medicines, conventional cold drugs do not boost immunity and therefore cannot help in preventing relapses.

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS

Foods to Include

• Fruits and vegetables – especially garlic, onions, ginger, and horseradish – they provide important nutrients and compounds that support immune function.
• Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice, herbal teas, and soups). Elderberry juice has antiviral activity.
• Herbal teas such as ‘Throat Coat’ which contains marshmallow and licorice, has been shown in research to help relieve a sore throat.

Foods to Avoid

• Sugar hampers immune function, so avoid eating candy and sweets.
• Milk and dairy can be mucous forming, and may worsen congestion.

LIFESTYLE SUGGESTIONS

• Get extra rest to allow your body to recover.
• Manage stress – try breathing techniques, exercise and meditation.
• For a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water and try lozenges that contain or or more of the following ingredients: slippery elm, marshmallow, vitamin C, zinc, eucalyptus, or menthol.
• For dry nose, use a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air. Adding eucalyptus oil will help relieve nasal and sinus congestion and cough.